Question - How do I keep deer, ground squirrels, and other pests out of my garden?

Answer - It’s no surprise the animals like the fresh fruits and vegetables as much as you do, and critter control is an ongoing battle for many of us.

The first option many gardeners consider are repellents. While they might work temporarily, they’re usually not the most effective route since they wash off in rain and the animals become accustomed to the scent.

Barriers of some sort are typically the best measure. For deer, this might mean something as simple as a floating row cover to keep their noses away from your vegetables. Or, you could have to resort to an eight foot high fence to deter them.

If rabbits are a problem, you’ll need to build a two to three foot high fence that is buried at least six inches so they don’t dig underneath it.

Ground squirrels are a more involved issue. Repellents absolutely don’t work, and building a sufficient barrier is a challenge because they are such proficient diggers. There are poisons on the market, but with kids, pets, and wildlife, many gardeners prefer not to use them. One option that has worked well for River City Harvest, the community gardens here in Great Falls, are traps made by Lee’s Trap Works in Alberta. Although you can’t find them locally any more, they do ship.

Amy Grisak(Photo: File photo)

These are a solid trap pushed into the ground with a hole that is positioned at the ground squirrel’s entrance. A spring-loaded slide is triggered when the ground squirrel passes through the hole, and functions in a fast sliding action. It’s quick and effective, but like any trap you have to check them frequently and reset them.

Birds are another common uninvited garden guest, particularly when strawberries and other fruit are at their peak of ripeness. The best option is to cover the plants, and trees if possible, with a row cover or netting to separate the winged visitors from your crops.

It’s never easy to keep wildlife from sampling your garden before you do. But if you know what to expect, and can cover or trap before they become a problem, you don’t have to share quite as much.